Black Mold (Stachybotrys) and Other Common Indoor Molds
When homeowners say “black mold,” they usually mean something serious. The phrase gets thrown around a lot, but it actually refers to a specific mold called Stachybotrys.
Here’s what matters, what doesn’t, and how to think about it without panic. If you’re experiencing a mold issue in your home or commercial property, contact Zeppelin today for professional mold remediation.
One important point: not every dark mold is Stachybotrys, and not every “black mold” situation involves Stachybotrys at all. Stachybotrys often appears dark green or black and tends to grow on water-damaged, cellulose-based materials like drywall, wood, and insulation. It is typically tied to long-term moisture, not a quick spill or a one-day leak. If materials stay damp long enough, conditions can support growth.
The Dangers of Black Mold
People often ask if black mold is more dangerous than other mold. The honest answer is that the seriousness of a mold issue depends less on color and more on the situation:
- How much growth is present
- How long it has been there
- Whether it is being disturbed or spread
- Whether moisture is still present
Mold exposure can cause irritation and respiratory symptoms, especially for kids, older adults, and people with sensitivities. The bigger picture is this: health agencies like the EPA and CDC consistently focus on moisture control and proper mold remediation, because that’s what changes the outcome.
Other Types of Mold
Another common misconception is that “black mold” is the only mold to worry about. It isn’t. Mold can be white, green, gray, brown, or black. Color alone does not determine risk. What matters is where the mold is growing, whether porous materials are affected, and whether the building is still feeding the problem with moisture. If you suspect you have an issue with mold in your home, you can schedule a mold and air quality test.
Can You Just Kill Mold with Bleach?
This is a question we hear all the time.
Bleach can kill some mold on hard, non-porous surfaces. That still does not solve most mold problems. Even when mold is dead, spores and fragments can remain irritating. Until the moisture source is corrected and affected materials are properly addressed, mold will continue to grow, even if the surface looks clean.
Professional Mold Remediation
Professional mold remediation tends to make sense when mold is persistent, widespread, tied to water damage, or affecting porous materials. Proper remediation is a controlled process that focuses on containment, removal or proper cleaning of affected materials, moisture control, and documentation. It is not a cosmetic wipe-down.
Zeppelin Cleaning Services provides professional mold remediation for homeowners and commercial properties across Metro Detroit. We’re local and family-owned, headquartered in St. Clair Shores with an additional office in Birmingham. Our technicians are IICRC and NAMP certified, and our goal is simple: handle the problem correctly, explain it clearly, and prevent it from coming back.
If you suspect mold, the fastest path to clarity is a professional inspection. Call Zeppelin today at (313) 731-0025.